Human-Centered UX
Critical Design Futuring
Immersive New Media
Interaction Design
Product Design
Public Art
Teaching
Alexander James Stewart is an Artist and Designer whose practice explores the influence of dystopian science fiction narratives on the design of cities, digital cultures, and human-computer interaction. Currently, he is working on digital experiences that work directly with the usership to collaboratively build better tomorrows.
Stewart’s previous research has oscillated between the worlds of Art and Design responding to technologies expanding human sensory ability and social interaction. The Drone Experiments (2014-16) consists of a series of sketch models, technological explorations, user research sessions, and media surveys that map and then project drone technology as it moves from a military context into everyday life. Empathy Devices (2014-2018) explores the limits of User Experience design, playing with collaborative modes pulled from Science fiction and Contemporary Art. Public Spaces UI (2015-2018) uses the platform of urban public spaces to explore ideas of collective interaction and ubiquitous computing utopias.
Stewart works as an interaction and experience designer with human-led and speculative design processes. A consummate collaborator, he has worked extensively with the Graphic Designer Sergio Serrano on Public Art and Public interaction commissions.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
2016 - Human Centered Design, IDEO.org
2015 - Masters of Fine Arts, Digital+Media, Rhode Island School of Design
2014 - Data Visceralization Research Group, Rhode Island School of Design
2013 - Post-industrial Landscapes Visiting School, Architecture Association of London
2010 - Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Alberta
TEACHING
2018 - Interactive Media, University of Alberta
2017 - Interaction Design, Macewan University
2015 - Science Fiction and Design Futuring, Rhode Island School of Design
PAST WORK
The City of Edmonton
Big Pixel Creative
Microsoft Research
The Economist Group
Rhode Island School of Design
HypeMachine
AWARDS
Graduate Studies Research Grant, Rhode Island School of Design
Professional Development Grant, Alberta Foundation of the Arts
RISD Fellowship Award, Rhode Island School of Design
People's Choice, MADE Street Furniture Contest
Best in Show, Bachelor of Fine Arts Graduate Show
SELECT EXHIBITIONS
2015 - Never as it Seems, Flux Factory Gallery, Brooklyn
2015 - Fever Dream, Gelman Gallery, Providence RI
2015 - The Greens, Proteus Gowanus Gallery, Brooklyn
2014 - Surf the Internet, Drawing Room Gallery, Edmonton AB
2013 - Digital+Media Biennale, Sol Koffler Gallery, Providence RI
2012 - The Flood, Latitude 53 Gallery, Edmonton AB
SELECT APPEARANCES
2017 - Photogrammetry and Object Digitization Workshop series, Capilano Library, Edmonton AB
2015 - 3D Digitization and Fabrication Workshop - RISD & MIT STEAM Human+Computer, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI
2015 - Collaborative Creative Process w/ Sergio Serrano, Edmonton Arts Council, Edmonton AB
2014 - Drone Technology and Surveillance, Re-framing the Real Research Group, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI
Contemporary Perspectives in New Media, University of Alberta Art History Department, Edmonton AB
LEADERSHIP
2017 - Programming Advisory Committee, Latitude 53 Gallery, Edmonton AB
2014 - Graduate Student Alliance President, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI
2009 - Visual Arts Students Association Vice President, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB
2007 - Visual Arts Students Association President, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB